6 Home Remedies for Swimmer’s Ear That Offer The Respite You Seek

Home remedies for swimmer’s ear: Swimmer’s ear is an infection that occurs in the outer ear canal, precisely in the tube that connects the opening of the ear to the eardrum, or more specifically, the otitis externa. This is something that all of us have gone through at some point or the other wherein water is left behind in the ear canal post a session of swimming or showering. From this, a breeding ground for bacteria is born, causing an ear infection. In some cases, however, it can also be caused by a fungus or virus, although rare.

Aggressive cleaning of the ear canal and excessive use of headphones or a hearing aid could also be the reason for an infection. The infection in itself is not contagious, but could lead to serious issues if not treated in timely manner.

Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear

The symptoms of swimmer’s ear are generally mild at first, but can build up with time if left untreated. In accordance with the stages associated with it, there are three main categories of swimmer’s ear:

1. Mild Swimmer’s Ear

Symptoms:

Drainage of a clear, odorless fluid in small quantities.

Slight redness inside the ear.

Itching in the ear canal.

Mild discomfort in front of the ear.

2. Moderate Swimmer’s Ear

Symptoms:

Intense itching

Increased pain

Excessive redness in the ear

Excessive fluid drainage.

Discharge of pus

Muffled hearing

3. Advanced Swimmer’s Ear

Symptoms:

Severe pain that radiates to the face, neck, and side of the head

Complete blockage of the ear canal

Fever

Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck

Complete blockage of the ear canal

Home remedies for swimmer’s ear

Fast-Relieving Home Remedies for Swimmer’s Ear

Fortunately, there are some home remedies for swimmer’s ear that can be used to seek immediate relief.

1. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is said to be one of the most effective home remedies for swimmer’s ear as it behaves as a natural antibacterial agent, drying out the fluid in the ear and eliminating infection, if any.

For this remedy:

Procure 3% hydrogen peroxide from the market.

Lay down and with the help of a dropper, put 2 or 3 drops of it into the affected ear.

White vinegar is can also be used to get rid of swimmer’s ear as it is slightly acidic in nature, thereby helps in fighting off the infection. It also cleanses the ear, removing traces of the bacteria.

For this remedy:

Combine equal amounts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a bowl.

Lie on your side with the infected ear facing upwards.

With the help of a dropper, put two or three of these drops into your ear.

Wait for up to five minutes.

Soon after, tilt your head in order to allow the solution to drain out of your ear.

Garlic deserves a special mention in our list of home remedies for swimmer’s ear as it fends off almost any type of infection, including ear’s with its antimicrobial and pain relieving properties. It also kills the bacteria responsible for the infection and reduces pain.

For this remedy:

Crush a few cloves of garlic and add them to two tablespoons of olive oil.

Heat this oil until the garlic turns brown.

Strain this and allow the oil to cool down.

Put two or four drops of this oil into the infected ear.

Repeat this process once or twice every day.

You could also consume two or three raw garlic cloves every day in order to speed up the healing process.

Caution: If a fluid is draining out of your ear, it is best you steer clear of garlic oil.

It may sound strange, but basil is antibiotic in nature and it helps to fight the infection providing relief from the pain. It is also loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, and benefits the immune system when consumed on a regular basis.

For this remedy:

Extract the juice of 4 or 5 basil leaves.

Heat the juice slightly.

Lie down and with the help of a dropper put 2 or 3 drops into the infected ear.